Trainee Solicitor (LPC/SQE)

Is it important to you to have a future that matters?

Our lawyers make a real difference in their local community. We can offer unique and intellectual challenges by working on diverse cases that shape public policy, protect public interests, and support vital services, offering vital job satisfaction.

The first steps into your legal career can be daunting; however, our skilled, approachable teams are experienced and committed to developing our trainee solicitors in these initial stages and beyond, ultimately aiming for them to become future leaders. This collaborative learning environment builds confidence and helps us create highly competent solicitors. We evidence our commitment to growing our own professionals by providing supportive, clear career pathways and prioritising professional growth.

A culture of wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance are genuine core values for this Council, reflected in our flexible and family-friendly working arrangements, along with other benefits:

• Generous annual leave allowance (27 days increasing to 31 after 5 years of service, plus Bank Holidays and 2 extra statutory days)
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Employee travel and entertainment discounts
• A local government pension scheme with generous contributions
• Optional car lease scheme

We also offer family-friendly policies such as maternity, adoption, paternity, and parental leave.

Join our local government legal team as a trainee solicitor and help shape the future of your community and make a lasting impact.

Package Description

Main Responsibilities

You will:

1. Work and gain experience in a range of litigious and non-litigious areas of Legal Services, based for approximately six months each, in four of the various teams within legal services (or at other organisations as agreed), developing skills associated with the practice and profession of a Solicitor.
2. Gain experience in areas such as Contracts, Highways, Planning, Rights of Way, Property, Adult Social Care, Education, Litigation, Employment, and Child Care, as set by business need.
3. Provide practical and effective legal advice and solutions to clients within the County Council and externally.
4. Draft briefs to Counsel, prepare statements, court papers, agreements, documents, and affidavits for approval.
5. Appear in the Magistrates and County Court or other courts, Tribunals/Inquiries where appropriate, and undertake hearings in chambers, initially in relation to undefended matters.
6. Accompany lawyers or Counsel to courts or tribunals, taking notes or undertaking other relevant duties as assigned.
7. Undertake legal research.
8. Draft reports for Cabinet, Committees, and Panels as required, for approval, and attend relevant meetings.
9. Maintain confidentiality and observe information security, data protection, and related guidelines.
10. Use information technology and associated systems in accordance with County Council policies.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have:

• A strong academic ability
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• A genuine enthusiasm for law and a focus to contribute positively to the Council’s culture

We’re happy to talk about flexible working.

The post is a fixed-term contract for 2 years, with potential for appointment to qualified roles at the end of the process. You will be office-based throughout the period to benefit from training across all teams.

Please complete your application via our online portal. Interviews are scheduled as follows:

• Initial screening via Teams – 25 & 26 June 2025
• Final face-to-face interviews at Stafford offices, including a presentation – 17 & 18 July 2025

For more information or queries, contact:

• Samantha Gibson, Senior Solicitor (sam.gibson@staffordshire.gov.uk)
• Wendy Lofthouse (wendy.lofthouse@staffordshire.gov.uk)

Our recruitment process anonymises applications during shortlisting. Please ensure your application, especially the supporting statement, fully highlights your suitability for the role.

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